NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment of how a brain functions, which indirectly provides information regarding the integrity of the brain. An assessment involves a clinical interview and the administration of the tests. Tests are administered by a neuropsychologist or a trained psychometrist and are typically in a paper and pencil and computerized format. The tests evaluate functioning in areas such as: intelligence, attention, memory, language, perception, sensorimotor functions, executive functions (such as planning, reasoning, abstraction, problem solving), motivation, mood state, emotion, personality style, and quality of life. The assessment may take up to 6-8 hours and testing sessions can be broken down into shorter sessions and scheduled on different days. The areas addressed in the evaluation are determined by the referral questions (by the referring doctor), patient’s complaint of symptoms, and observations made during the interview and test administration.

How you can prepare for your neuropsychological evaluation:

Bring a current list of ALL medications and doses.

Bring any records of previous neurodiagnostic testing (brain scans) and results from any previous neuropsychological evaluation completed at another hospital or clinic.

It is helpful for a family member or friend to accompany you to provide collateral information.

Get a good night’s rest before the evaluation.

Do not consume any alcohol 24 hours prior to the evaluation.

If taking sleep medication, check with your doctor to see whether it may affect test performance the next day.

Let the examiner know prior to the testing session if you are experiencing: excessive tiredness, pain, lack of motivation, emotional distress, influence of medication or illicit substances that can impact cognitive functioning, frequent changes in the ability to move.

The staff at SCI would be happy to talk with you about our Neuropsychological Evaluation services. For further information, please contact us.